From IMDb: Holmes and Watson investigate a series of bizarre and apparently unconnected murders, and the death of a possible suspect. The trail leads to a society of hypnotists and a mysterious, glamorous woman. The fiendish Dr. Moriarty, though reported hanged in Montevideo, is believed to be involved.

Stars: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Hillary Brooke, and Henry Daniell


This movie is part of the collection: Feature Films

Director: Roy William Neill
Producer: Roy William Neill
Production Company: Universal Pictures
Audio/Visual: Mono, Black & White
Language: English
Keywords: Mystery; Murder; Crime; Thriller; Sherlock Holmes

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: kroma - - May 6, 2012
Subject: great
I really enjoyed this movie

Reviewer: picfixer - - January 31, 2010
Subject: Can't put my finger on it
A series of gruesome murders has Scotland Yard baffled. Is it the work of a homicidal maniac, or something even more sinister? It's time for the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and the inimitable Dr. Watson to set things right -- though poor Watson is put upon quite a bit in the process. Hillary Brooke is featured as second-in-command villainess to the infamous Professor Moriarty, played by Henry Daniell. Highly entertaining as all the others, this is one of the darker episodes in the outstanding Universal series. While nothing graphic happens onscreen, the nature of the described crimes makes it unsuitable for young children.

Reviewer: Albert Schlef - - January 5, 2010
Subject: Fine
The movie is fun. But it isn't as interesting as the other Sherlock films here.

One thing that ruins this film is an error at the beginning: A detective cries, and a sentimental Sherlock swears he will solve the case. However, the "real" Sherlock wasn't extrovert, which adds to the charm.

I give it two stars because of Dr. Watson. He's great here, especially when he talks about the charlatans.

Reviewer: katpooh9 - - June 15, 2009
Subject: Good movie
This is one of my favorite Rathbone/Sherlock Holmes movies. My most favorite one is 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. This movie is somewhat noir.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - June 3, 2009
Subject: Elementary!
This was another fun outing for SH and H. Sherlock has to figure out who's responsible for all these recent deaths in London, with no motive etc. It all boils down to hypnotism, mystery women, and an old archenemy (in a revelation that somewhat feels like a cheat). Basil and Nigel are great as usual, and there are some clever ideas thrown about.

Reviewer: Bob St. - - May 23, 2009
Subject: Or, The Case of the Very Dull Sitting Room
This plodding production strikes few sparks and has little of the sharp surprise, humor and energy of the best Sherlock Holmes movies. Long stretches of it take place in a very proper sitting room, where the unlikable suspects thoroughly talk their way through a sedentary plot.